07/27/2026
Clayton Winkler: 10/11/94-7/27/22
It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since we lost Clay. When I was first told of his passing, I immediately started crying out to God, begging for me not to lose my marbles. Sounds a bit selfish looking back, but I didn’t know how I was going to move forward without one of my kids. This post is not about my grief journey, rather the blessings God had restored within me and lessons I’ve learned:
1) I am so thankful I am a child of God, and His mercy and grace sustains me,
2) I wake up everyday giving thanks for my family, and how blessed I am to love them. I love family and friends totally different today, grateful they are in my life,
3) I wake up everyday with a sincere joy in my heart that I never thought would return (Philippians 4:4-9),
4) I have more peace in my heart today than any other time in my life. I gave up trying to make sense of everything and make sure all of my efforts are to pursue Gods will.
5) I am so thankful God replaced the hole in my heart with empathy towards others. (Romans 12:15)
I think of Clay every day, and I am happy and proud that God used this tragedy as a way to renew my heart to love more, and help others that find themselves in a similar situation. I am blessed beyond measure with family and friends, and I wake up with excitement everyday to see where God will direct me.
